Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:37 am

The other day when I fired up the Cub it was noticably smoking blue/grey out the stack. It has never smoked before that I ever noticed. What could cause this to start happening all of the sudden while just sitting? I don't use her much but I do start it up and run it every so often. It was supposedly overhauled not that many hours ago and has always purred like it too.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:44 am

I am not sure where you live, but in cooler weather conditions the Cub will through out lots of condensate in the exhaust until it warms up. Make sure the engine is warmed up well and then check for smoke.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:41 am

If it sits and is not used much, in the cold weather the rings could be sticking. Put some seafoam in it, and give it a workout.

Tow your car or truck around for a while with someone riding the brakes.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:52 am

Dale is Spot on

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:03 pm

I'm in central Florida and it has been in the mid to high 70's lately but I might just try some seafoam in it anyway.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:35 pm

You need to get it warm/hot- Make it labor. It was designed to work and you won't hurt it.

They are like spoiled kids. If you don't make them mind, and do a little work, all they want to do is sit in front of the TV and get fat. They want all the cool clothes and the newest gadget, but find it impossible to make their bed.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 2:42 pm

I see a lot of this on the boat forums and folks like to blame ethanol and it's unique ability to attact moisture, eat away gaskets, and in some cases begin to break down in a relatively short amount of time. Any of that will create smoke. Only resolution is to Sea Foam the gas if it's going to sit or get ethanol free gas. I had some smoking issues and they've gone away. In addition to ethanol free gas, I also replaced the oil in the aircleaner and lowered the level. Coincidence? Perhaps... After rebuilding boat carbs twice in two years, I can't help but think there's something to the 'ethanol is evil' argument.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 7:10 pm

Yes, I have been going out of my way to buy, at least claimed to be, ethanol free gas and at extra expense. Coincidentally I also cleaned and changed oil in the air cleaner this afternoon wondering if it was effecting the mixture and burning too richly. The bottom of the bowl was pretty gooped up. I also ran some Seafoam through the gas tank...still smoking. I guess I should take Dale's advice and whip it's lazy butt back into shape with that four letter word, "work?"

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:50 pm

Steve, the Seafoam itself will also make the engine smoke some as it cleans the carbon from the pistons and valves.You'll need to run that gas mix thru and add fresh gas before things clear up.Working it hard while using the Seafoam is best, don't expect it to clear up during this time.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:57 pm

Smoking is bad for her health.... My Betty Lou is a smoker too. Right now she is having rear end surgery, but she will soon be back running, and I too am gonna get her off the habit.

Re: Suddenly Smoking?

Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:13 pm

clodhopper wrote:Smoking is bad for her health.... My Betty Lou is a smoker too. Right now she is having rear end surgery, but she will soon be back running, and I too am gonna get her off the habit.